What an understatement this is! Especially in later recovery, entire inventories may focus on our relationships with others. Our lives have been filled with relationships with lovers, friends, parents, co-workers, children, and others with whom we come in contact. A look at these associations can tell us much about our essential character.

Often our inventories catalog the resentments that arise from our day-to-day interactions with others. We strive to look at our part in these frictions. Are we placing unrealistic expectations on other people? Do we impose our standards on others? Are we sometimes downright intolerant?

Often just the writing of our inventory will release some of the pressure that a troubled relationship can produce. But we must also share this inventory with another human being. That way, we get some needed perspective on our part in the problem and how we can work toward a solution.

The inventory is a tool that allows us to begin healing our relationships. We learn that today, with the help of an inventory, we can start to enjoy our relationships with others.

"I'm in big trouble when I start to think that I've arrived," the speaker shared. "Lucky for all of us, I'm committed to the daily maintenance of my spiritual condition. I continue to take personal inventory, and that gives me regular reminders that I'm a work in progress."

The Steps lower our tolerance for living an unexamined life. Once we've seen the benefits of regular introspection, we can't un-know what we've learned about ourselves or forget the fulfillment we find in this NA way of improvement. To turn our backs on this path creates discomfort, and our patience for that sort of spiritual pain is not what it used to be—and that's a good thing! We commit to taking stock of our part in every situation and recommit as often as necessary when we let the pace of modern life squeeze out time for contemplation.

Some would say this commitment is the practical exam for our recovery. We need introspection to grow the way that seeds need soil, sun, and water. Understanding the strengths of our character as well as our vulnerabilities, being aware of our motives, striving to do the right thing, and being willing to make amends when we do harm—all of this is fodder for our personal inventories. As one member noted, "My five favorite character defects may never disappear entirely, but regular inventories help me to see them coming." With that, we can humbly ask for their removal—yes, again—and in that moment, avoid acting out, harming our relationships, and feeling ashamed. Self-reflection pays off. This makes us willing to commit.